5 Ways to Maximize Warehouse Productivity

Productivity is essential for every business, and the warehouse industry is no exception. While every warehouse has unique processes and therefore unique challenges and needs, there are still several universal strategies that can increase productivity for nearly every single one. Keep reading to learn about five ways to maximize warehouse productivity.

5 Ways to Maximize Warehouse Productivity

1. Leverage Mobile Workstations

Simultaneously boost productivity and profits with mobile workstations. By eliminating constant trips to the printer or office, mobile workstations make it possible to double output in a warehouse. If you’re concerned that this increased output comes at the price of more errors, you’ll be glad to know that mobile workstations actually reduce human error.

In addition to increasing productivity by reducing the number of trips employees need to take and reducing human error, mobile workstations also increase productivity by streamlining the returns process. With easy access to inventory information and more, employees can stay in one place while handling what were once time-consuming returns.

2. Optimize Your Network

Networks are one of the most overlooked ways to maximize warehouse productivity. If you haven’t revisited your current wireless network setup in the past three years, you are more than likely past due for improved performance. Optimized wireless networks facilitate better service and inventory management, while outdated networks slow down processes. At the end of the day, an outdated, slow, or unreliable Wi-Fi network impacts productivity and costs your business time, money, and productivity.

Every warehouse will benefit from an optimized network, but that doesn’t mean every warehouse needs the same network. At Liberty Systems, we assess your current network and make recommendations based on your unique needs. Learn about our Wireless Warehouse solutions and how they can benefit your business.

3. Make the Switch to Voice

As we discussed in our last webinar, voice technology has come a long way in the past two decades, and it is one of the simplest ways to increase productivity. You might even be taking advantage of voice technology at home with devices like Alexa, which streamlines simple tasks like creating to-do lists or setting timers. But are you applying the same strategy in your warehouse?

Voice technology now complements your current warehouse management system, supports multiple languages, and is device-based (no server needed). When warehouses utilize voice technology, employees can use their voice to complete a wide variety of tasks while keeping their hands free for other tasks. 

4. Utilize RFID Technology

RFID technology has been around for a long time, and it is a game-changer for warehouse inventory management. This technology can capture a wide range of information, including inventory, supply chain logistics, package locations, building access, and more.

It doesn’t rely on human handling and can automatically read multiple tags within a certain proximity, both of which streamline everyday processes. With RFID technology, workers no longer have to manually scan each and every barcode to find the package or item they need. Instead, they can easily locate and sort them quickly, using RFID technology. This speeds up warehouse workflows.

5. Retain Talent

You might be surprised to see employee retention on this list. But if you think about it, productivity is impacted every time a current employee, especially a good one, quits and a new one begins. With a new employee comes their need to be trained on processes and workflows, which can take time to master, and even more time to reach the previous employee’s pace. Even more so, according to Gallup, the cost of replacing an individual employee can range from one-half to two times that employee’s annual salary. With this in mind, you can see that losing and replacing employees comes at a high cost.

Retain talent by offering career development and competitive pay, including regular salary adjustments to account for inflation. The ultimate goal here is to get the best from your employees by treating them well and providing opportunities for career growth. It should be a win-win for everyone! 

If you have questions about maximizing productivity at your Minnesota warehouse, we’d love to talk. Liberty Systems has been providing innovative warehouse solutions since 1999. Whether you are looking to leverage mobile workstations, switch to voice, or utilize RFID technology, we can help. Contact us today to start the conversation and take the next step to a more productive warehouse.